Foot massagers quick picks
Expert-favorite foot massager: Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager
Budget-friendly foot massager: Phixnozar Massage Mat
Water-based foot massager: Costway Bath Massage
High-end foot massager: Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager
Cozy foot massager: Sharper Image Warming Foot Massager
We ask a lot of our feet, especially if we exercise regularly. Standing, walking, running and absorbing extremes of cold and heat, are just a handful of things our feet endure — and that’s before the discomforts and degradations of fashion. A little pampering and recovery are the least we can offer in return, which is where an at-home foot massager comes in. “There are a lot of muscles and tendons in the feet, and these devices can provide relief from soreness and fatigue,” says Dr. Sara Mateen, a foot and ankle specialist with Hackensack Meridian Health Group in New Jersey.
Beyond the soothing effects, massagers may offer medical benefits. “There have been studies done about the benefits of foot massage for everything from post-exercise soreness to labor pain that have generally showed [massages] to be extremely beneficial for a wide range of conditions,” says Dr. Marlena Rose Mueller, a sports medicine physiatrist and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “There’s less evidence for external devices, but overall, they’re safe and they can increase blood flow, improve perceived fatigue and decrease stiffness and soreness. They’re a decent alternative if you can’t afford to see a masseuse.”
What to look for in a foot massager
“There are so many choices, and it’s really consumer dependent on what feels good to each person,” Mateen says about choosing a massager. In other words, what might feel good to one person may not work for someone else. Some people like intense pressure, others may prefer a gentler approach and a third could insist on water jets. There’s something for everyone, and a store that allows people to try them out or has a good return policy is something to consider when choosing your purchase.
In general, our picks are devices that offer a wider range of control and a variety of options in terms of the type of massaging action and the intensity. We also favor machines that addressed more than just the bottom of the foot. Beyond that, buyers should consider ease of cleaning, foot size, portability and space required. As always, our experts suggest making sure you’re in good health before starting, consulting a doctor and not using the devices if you have diabetes or any open wounds or sores on your feet.
Best foot massagers
It’s on the bulky side, but it does a great job, offering three modes: pushing, kneading and rolling. It offers coverage over the top of the foot and up the ankles and is able to access to a variety of reflex points. You can even toggle between the options and speeds with a handy remote control. Add all that together and at roughly $100 (when it's not on sale), it’s a great value.
The Miko offers a lot of similar high-end features as our top pick above, including a full-foot treatment, a range of intensity levels and a convenient remote. It also uses air pressure along with a rolling and kneading action, as well as a penetrating heat element. The cloth inserts in the foot chambers easily pop out so you can wash them too.
This mat weighs less than a pound and rolls up, making it easy to store at home or take on a trip. Once plugged in, the flat surface accommodates any size foot and allows you to toggle between eight modes that include various types of kneading and massaging with 19 levels of intensity. It requires almost no maintenance and won’t take a chunk out of your travel budget.
This old-school massager is made of wood, sans motorized parts or heating elements. But the four rows of knobby, uneven rollers target different parts of the foot, providing deep kneading action and relief, especially for those battling plantar fasciitis. Since it’s all manual, you can control the sensation by varying the pressure applied.
Built-in motorized rollers do the massage work, offering both a classic kneading technique as well as a Vibration mode at a variety of pressure levels. The deep and wide tub fits most feet and keeps the water warm while providing a soothing stream of bubbles.
Forget warm water. The Ivation gets toasty — up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit — while hitting your tootsies with several jet streams of bubbling water. Two revolving massage rollers on the bottom and a rotating center post with four attachments provide a variety of ways to work out the tension in your feet. Plus, the Vibration mode extends the relaxation up into your ankles and legs.
The Cloud Massage offers a deep massage and matches the features of every other pick on this list — from two levels of heat and a remote to full foot-and-ankle attention. The settings are adjustable across five different modes, and it utilizes not just rollers and vibration but inflatable pads as well. The big difference is the price.
The Pro 2 goes beyond feet and ankles: It can do calves, arms and even thighs for some users. Simply adjust the angle of the support bar to work different body parts with a powerful massage delivered by eight compression chambers, three kneading options and a choice of preset timing settings. A remote controls everything, and even the heat adjusts to warm either the whole foot or just the soles.
What if your warmest pair of winter socks could also help revive sore and tired feet? That is the premise behind this Sharper Image device, with its cushy liner and soft exterior. Unlike more assertive options, this one delivers relief through gentle vibrations — with two speed settings — and a steady stream of heat.
Another option that has the visual appeal and soft material of a good pair of slippers, the Snailax uses eight rollers and a heating element to deliver a relaxing massage. And it’s versatile too. Remove the cover (it’s washable) and you can apply the kneading action to your back, neck, arms or legs.